Traffic light travel update: Newly added green and amber list countries

News about the travel traffic light system has been updated and will be in effect this coming Monday (19 July).

With this update we have some good news and some bad news for you. Read on to discover which new countries made the green list, which countries will be moved to the amber list and what it means for your summer holiday.

Details

The good news

Let's first start with some good news. From Monday, Bulgaria and Hong Kong will be on the green list, while Croatia and Taiwan will be on the green watchlist (which means that the government will continue to review their green list status on a weekly basis).

The bad news

The Balearic Islands, which include favourites Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca, will move back to the amber list. The move, which is set to happen from 4 am on Monday 19 July, comes after just two weeks of being placed on the green watchlist.

What exactly does this mean for Pirates who have summer trips planned to their favourite islands?

Luckily, starting 19 July, if you are already fully-vaccinated it won't impact your travel plans too much as you won't be required to quarantine upon return in the UK. However, a test three days before returning to the UK as well as PCR test on day two in the UK is still required.

Those who are not fully-vaccinated travelling to amber list countries will still have to isolate for 10 days upon return to the UK.

The transport secretary also announced four countries and territories will join the red list from Monday: Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sierra Leone.